Question

Case Scenario: A 75-year-old woman is taken to the ER following an incident where she is diagnosed with myxedema. Doctors quickly move her to the ICU, where she is monitored continuously for heart rate changes, changes in cognition, and level of consciousness. She appears to be cold and has decreased respirations, hypotension, and hypoglycemia.

    Question: What other history elements would be helpful in the person’s evaluation and treatment? (Hint: Think about family history and why that might be important.)

Answer 1

Myxedema is a lifethreatening form of decompensatedhypothyroidism. The clinical manifestations include swelling of body especially face , tongue and lower legs because of the deposition of connective tissue components like glycosaminoglycons and mucopolysaccharides. Other manifestations are low body temperature, feeling cold,hypoglycemia,hypotension, Suppression of cardiac action,decreased CNS sensitivity,weakness , lethargy, difficulty breathing.cvp monitoring for the pt who is admitted in icu,capillary wedge.serum electrolytes for fluid management as a correction for hypotension.

Diagnosis : Blood studies for thyroid hormone level , TSH .ABG Analysis to ensure adequate oxygenation .

Family History regarding thyroid disease , cardiovascular neurological disease.

It is very important as it is a severe disease condition.